Ah…the good old picnic table. They’re a staple at most campgrounds and end up being the second centerpiece of the campsite (after the fire ring).
But I’m sure we’ve all had it happen where you pull up to a campsite only to find the picnic table is completely falling apart. Or maybe you’re boondocking or camping in a rustic campground without tables.
Not to worry…your portable camping table is ready to save the day! A foldable camping table is an essential part of your camping gear that gets used hard, especially if you have a pack of kids. So make sure you choose wisely!
I’ve made it easy for you to make the right choice with this list of the best camping tables for camping in 2022 and beyond.
Let’s start with my top 3 picks and a few things expert campers say you should look for when buying a camp table.
*Pssst…and when you’re done with this article, don’t miss my other camping gear articles like…
- 9 Best Portable Camping Kitchens for Easier Camp Cooking | 2022
- 13 Best Camping Porta Potty Toilets to Go On the Go!
Table of Contents
Top 3 Quick Picks
If you don’t like to wait, here are my top 3 quick picks for the best camping tables.
Best High-End Table
Front Runner Pro Stainless Steel Camp Table
Stainless steel top, durable, and with a real weight capacity of over 200 lbs! (In their product demo video, two people get on top!)
Best Budget Camping Table
Lifetime Camping and Utility Folding Table
You might even already have one of these at home. It’s hard to beat their simplicity, durability, and dirt-cheap price.
Best All-Around (Price, Features, Size, etc.)
Mountain Summit Gear Roll Top Table
Its versatile design helps it double as a camp kitchen and dining table. It’s pretty sturdy (for a camp table) and folds up and fits in a carrying case for easy transportation. Plus, it won’t break the bank!
Now let’s take a quick look at a few details that’ll help you choose the best table. And then my full list with 13 options.
Here’s What to Look for In a Camping Table
A table is just a table, right? Hmmm…no. Especially when you’re talking about a table that has to work as your camp kitchen, a dining table, a card table, and a repair area. And not to mention, it needs to fold up and fit in your RV or car.
We expect a lot out of our camping tables! So here are 5 things to look for.
Price
The best camping table in the world doesn’t do you much good if you can’t afford it. Look for something in your price range.
Don’t worry, I’ve included tables from all different price ranges on my list, from sub $100 tables to $400+. You might be surprised that some of the budget-friendly tables perform just as well as the more expensive ones.
How Portable Is It?
First you need to ask yourself…how portable do you need it to be?
- Are you looking for a lightweight table you could even take backpacking or kayak camping?
- Does it need to fit in the back of your compact sedan?
- Will you need to carry it more than a few feet to where you’ll use it?
- Or is space not an issue because you have tons of room in your RV basement or truck?
Usually, if you’re car or RV camping, you can go with a table that’s bigger and sturdier. But if you’re planning on taking it to the beach or to walk-in campsites, take the size and weight into consideration.
Height
How tall should your camping table be? For reference…
- A standard kitchen countertop is 36 inches tall.
- Most dining tables are between 28-32 inches tall.
- Anything that’s less than 20 inches high will feel like a coffee table
Compare those figures to the height of the tables on this list. Most are right in that range (28-36 inches) and a few are shorter. If you’re looking for a camping table that’ll serve primarily as a place to cook, then go with something a little taller. If you’re looking for a spare dining table, then it can be a little shorter.
Some on my list even have adjustable legs so they’re super versatile!
Weight Capacity
Most camping tables have a weight capacity from 50-200 lbs. However, it’s good to take those figures with a grain of salt.
- Usually, that means the table can handle that amount of weight, but only when it’s evenly distributed across the entire tabletop (which never happens in real life)
- Just because it says it can hold 200 lbs, doesn’t mean you want to load it up with that much. It might be able to hold that much, but how stable is it really going to be.
- Be careful with how you load up folding tables. The joint in the middle is usually a weak spot and can fail if you load it up with too much weight.
Durability
Camping tables take a lot of abuse. They get bumped, flipped, set up and folded up, rained on, covered in mud, and sometimes even covered in bacon grease. Look for a camp table that can take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’.
Tabletop Material
Metal, wood, or plastic — those are pretty much your options.
Metal is nice because you can set hot stuff on it without a hot pad. Plastic is lighter but gets damaged by hot stoves, pans, and utensils. Wood, like bamboo, is a nice middle ground since it’s lightweight and can take some heat. However, cheaper bamboo tables can warp with time.
Adjustable Legs
These aren’t essential but make table set-up a lot easier. You know how hard it can be to find a level spot on your campsite to set up a table. Then you spend 15 minutes trying to find the perfect rock to stick under one of the legs only to still end up with a rickety table.
4 Main Types of Tables for Camping
Portable camping tables come in all shapes and sizes. Here are a few that you’ll find.
Folding Tables
These are the most common type of camping tables. They’re sturdy, come in all different sizes, and are somewhat compact.
Roll-Top Camp Tables
These have a folding base and a roll-up top made up of a bunch of thin slats of metal, bamboo, or plastic. They’re a little more compact than most folding tables. However, they don’t give you a solid tabletop.
Portable Kitchens
These portable workstations are perfect to use as your camp kitchen. They usually have several different levels, a space for a camp stove, a lantern hanger, and some even have a sink. They make great kitchens but horrible dining tables.
Ultralight Camp Tables
If you’re really short on space or want a table that’s easy to strap onto your backpack for hiking, go with an ultralight camping table. Some are folding, but most are roll-top style and sit about 20 inches or less off the ground.
They’re not the most comfortable to sit at to eat or do meal prep but at least they give you a flat tabletop even in the middle of nowhere.
Ok, so now that you know what to look for, here’s my full list of the 13 best tables for camping.
13 of the Best Tables for Camping
One of these deserves a place on your next camping trip.
Front Runner Pro Stainless Steel Camp Table
Nice stainless steel top and super durable…but expensive
Table Size: 29.5 x 44.5 inches
Table Height: 28.7 inches
Table Weight: 26.1 lbs
Weight Limit: 200+ lbs
Setup: It’s easy to set up. The top folds in half and the legs unfold from underneath.
Why it’s a great camping table:
- Stainless steel top means you can cook on it and not worry about hot pots damaging the table.
- Can handle a lot of weight and abuse (Their product video shows two people sitting on top! I wouldn’t try that with any of the other tables on this list.)
- Good size for food prep, eating at, or other tasks at camp
Cons
- Pricey!
- A little heavy
Check the current price.
Lifetime Camping and Utility Folding Table
Simple, no-frills utility table
Table Size: 24 x 48 inches
Table Height: Adjustable legs from 22-36 inches
Table Weight: 19 lbs
Weight Limit: 200 lbs (evenly distributed on the top)
Setup: Setup is easy. The top unfolds and then the legs unfold from underneath. Then just extend the legs to set it at the height you want.
What makes it a great camping table:
- I love the adjustable height. Plus, it’s adjustable a whopping 14 inches so you can use it for dining or cooking.
- Rust-resistant metal frame
- Cheap and durable — a great combination
Cons
- Hot items can damage the plastic top
Check the current price.
Mountain Summit Gear Roll Top Table
A great middle-ground…nice enough to not feel cheap, but it won’t break the bank.
Table Size: 47 x 28 inches (large), 56 x 28 inches (x-large)
Table Height: 28 inches
Table Weight: 15 lbs 3 oz (large), 16lb 8 oz (x-large)
Weight Limit: None specified
Setup: The base is one piece and unfolds. Then the roll-up top unrolls and fits in the top rails.
What makes it a great camp table:
- It’s big. In fact, I think the x-large version is the largest camping table on my list)
- Aluminum metal top so you don’t have to worry about hot pans or stoves damaging it
- Frame supports are high enough that you can sit at it like a normal table
- Folds up fast
Cons
- Legs aren’t adjustable
Check the current price.
ALPS Mountaineering Eclipse Table
The perfect camping side table
Table Size: 27 x 27 inches
Table Height: 26 inches
Table Weight: 7 lbs
Weight Limit: There’s no specified weight limit.
Setup: Really easy. It’s all one piece. Just unfold it like a camp chair and tighten the straps on the corners.
What makes it a great table for camping:
- It’s kind of like a mini game table. You’ve got space to play cards or board games up top and a convenient place to put drinks and snacks below.
- Although the top is fabric, when you tighten up the side straps the top stays pretty taut
- Convenient side pocket for holding your phone, decks of cards, and other stuff
- Comes in a bunch of different colors including one with a checkerboard on the top!
Cons
- Just a side table, doesn’t really work for meal prep.
GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station
For the camp chef in your family
Table Size: 52 x 21 inches
Table Height: 32 inches
Table Weight: 19 lbs
Weight Limit: It has a combined total weight limit of 300 lbs between all the different shelves. The top aluminum rack can hold up to 48 lbs. The lower rack can hold up to 35 lbs.
Setup: The whole thing is one piece and just unfolds.
What makes it a great camping table:
- Makes a great camp kitchen
- Center shelf on the top is metal and made to hold your camp stove
- Has plenty of cupholders and hooks for hanging rags and utensils
Cons
- Doesn’t really work as a dining table
- There are a lot of joints and hinges that could break
Check the current price.
*Check out some similar portable workstations in my article Best Portable Camping Kitchens for Easier Camp Cooking
King Camp Roll Top Aluminum Table
Another decent middle-ground option for meal prep and dining
Table Size: 27.5 x 42 inches
Table Height: 27.6 inches
Table Weight: 14.6 lbs
Weight Limit: Up to 176 lbs but I wouldn’t put much more than 50-60 pounds on top
Setup: One-piece base unfolds and the roll-up tabletop unrolls and fits in the rails at the top of the frame.
What makes it a great camping table:
- Metal top so you don’t have to worry much with hot stoves and pots
- Folds up and fits in a carrying bag with a strap
- None of the base supports get in the way of you sitting with your legs underneath
Cons
- Legs aren’t adjustable
Camp Chef Sherpa Camp Table and Organizer
When you need some extra storage space
Table Size: 17 x 27 inches
Table Height: 28 inches
Table Weight: 13 lbs
Weight Limit: None specified but it’s plenty sturdy to support normal camp stoves and cookware.
Setup: The base stays assembled. Unzip the front, pull out the roll-top tabletop and attach it to the top.
What makes it a great camping table:
- Has 4 removable storage bags for storing camp kitchen supplies like utensils, cookware, and ingredients.
- Aluminum top made to handle camp stoves
- One of the storage bags has a waterproof lining so it can double as a kitchen sink or cooler
- Telescoping legs. If you leave them unextended, you can set this table on top of a picnic table for easy access to the storage drawers.
Cons
- Best for meal prep, can’t really eat at it.
Check the current price.
Mountain Summit Gear Deluxe Roll Top Kitchen Table
A convenient portable kitchen table with extra storage
Table Size: 31.5 x 18 inches
Table Height: 31.5 inches
Table Weight: 13.5 lbs
Weight Limit: No specified weight limit.
Setup: Unfold the frame. Then attach the two roll-top table stations and the detachable storage compartment with shelves.
What makes it a great camping table:
- Stores in a convenient carry bag
- Has a nice mix of countertop and storage space
- Tall 31.5-inch height of the main table is a nice height for cooking at
- Large side table is perfect as a meal prep station
Cons
- Works great as a camp kitchen but not as a dining table.
- No adjustable legs
Camp Chef Mesa Aluminum Camp Table
Roll-top portability with adjustable legs
Table Size: 48 x 27 inches
Table Height: Adjustable legs from 27-39 inches
Table Weight: 22 lbs
Weight Limit: Up to 100 lbs
Setup: The base is all one piece that unfolds. Then the top unrolls and fits on top. Since the slats run lengthwise it gives the top a little more strength.
What makes it a great camping table:
- Large, lightweight, and easy on the wallet —a winner!
- Aluminum top can take some heat
- Adjusts a total of 12 inches! And at 39 inches tall it’s the tallest table on this list!
- Individually adjustable legs are nice for uneven ground
Cons
- Unfolding the base is a little tricky the first few times
- The base supports on the end make it hard to sit at the ends with your legs underneath
Check the current price.
Snow Peak Single Action Table
A one-piece compact folding table
Table Size: 36 x 28 inches
Table Height: 26 inches
Table Weight: 22 lbs
Weight Limit: No specified weight limit
Setup: Top unfolds lengthwise. As you unfold the top, the interlocking legs automatically unfold from underneath.
What makes it a great table for camping:
- Bamboo tabletop
- Although it’s a folding table, it’s surprisingly sturdy
- Once folded it fits in a carrying bag
- Super fast to set up
Cons
- A little pricey
- No adjustable legs
Check the current price.
ALPS Mountaineering Camp Table
A lightweight, simple and compact prep table
Table Size: 28 x 28 inches
Table Height: 27 inches
Table Weight: 6 lbs
Weight Limit: There’s no specified weight limit but it can handle normal camping gear like a 2-burner camp stove
Setup: One-piece base unfolds and the roll-up top unfolds and attaches to the base.
What makes it a great table for camping:
- Super lightweight – just 6 lbs!
- Even if your campsite already has a picnic table, this one works nicely to extend your camp cooking area
- Packs up really small (29” x 4” x 6”)
- Easy on the wallet
- Metal top
Cons
- Not as sturdy as some of the other tables on this list
Check the current price.
Helinox Table One Hard Top
The best camping table for backpacking
Table Size: 23 x 16 inches (regular), 30 x 22.5 inches (large)
Table Height: 15.5 inches (regular), 19.5 inches (large)
Table Weight: 2.1 lbs (regular), 3.5 lbs (large)
Weight Limit: Up to 110 lbs
Setup: Put the frame pieces. Unfold the top and attach it to the frame…easy peasy.
What makes it a great table for camping:
- The table works perfectly with Helinox camp chairs
- Surprisingly sturdy
- Packs up tiny
Cons
- Don’t count on it to hold large camp stoves and heavy cookware
- A little pricey for its size
Check the current price.
G4Free Portable Folding Camp Table
Source: Amazon
A budget-friendly ultralight option
Table Size: 15.5” x 13.5” (small), 18” x 22”(medium), 18” x 27″ (large)
Table Height: 12.5” (small), 16.5” (medium and large)
Table Weight: 1.8 lbs (small), 2.8 lbs (medium), 3.2 lbs (large)
Weight Limit: Up to 50 lbs
Setup: The one-piece frame unfolds and the top unrolls and attaches to it.
What makes it a great camping table:
- Metal top
- Decently sturdy top for its size
- That little mesh pouch in the center really comes in handy
Cons
- For light-duty use only
Check the current price.
Which table are you taking on your next camping trip?
The simple and rugged Lifetime Folding Utility Table?
Maybe the small but fun ALPS Mountaineering Eclipse Table?
Or a combination of several tables?
If you’re looking for a large table that can double as a meal prep station and a place to have dinner, I suggest the Mountain Summit Gear Roll Top Table. It’s hard to beat its combination of size, stability, and price!
Whichever camping table you choose, I hope you have a great time on some epic family camping trips this year!
And don’t forget to check out my other awesome camping articles like…
- Camping in a Yurt: The Ultimate Guide for Families
- The 15 Best Camping Blankets for Staying Toasty Cozy Warm
- 13 Best Quiet RV Generators (2022) for Camping in Peace
- 13 Best Camping Porta Potty Toilets to Go On the Go!
- Solar Eclipse 2024 Kids Printable Activity Pack! - April 8, 2024
- 11 RV Bathroom Makeovers to Inspire You! - April 7, 2024
- 13 Dreamy Hammock Camping Set Up Ideas + Pics - February 22, 2024
